Today is Spotlight Thursday
Each Thursday I spotlight a different runner from around the world.
Each Thursday I spotlight a different runner from around the world.
This week I'd like to introduce Renee.
I asked Renee, to tell part of her story and introduce you all to her. So sit back and enjoy and gain some inspiration!
Tell me what first got you interested in running?
I had
tried running before, back in the day when there were no C25K podcasts or apps
(or smart phones for that matter) but I didn’t have any idea how to go about
it. Once I decided to try again, years
later, I did because I wanted to lose weight, but also for the original reason
– I just wanted to be good at something athletic and this seemed (at the time)
to be the easiest thing to choose.
How long have you been running?
I’ve been running now for 5 years, since I
started the C25K program.
What distances do you like to run? Which is your favorite distance to run? I like to run at the very least 5K each time
I train. If I’m running a race I would
say 10K is my favorite, but 15K is nice too.
10K is good because I don’t run out of energy within the time it takes
me to run it. Anything more is much more
challenging.
Do you run races? Which types?
Yes! I love running races. I belong to 3 running clubs, 2 of which
sponsor runners, so I take part whenever I can (“normal” races –no mud runs,
obstacle courses or trail runs)
Do you have a favorite race ever? Tell us why it is so memorable to you.
I do!
My favorite was the Berlin Half Marathon. I tried strictly to my schedule and was
feeling very fit at the time. I was also
running to raise funds and awareness for the Dutch National Epilepsy Funds,
specifically with my friend’s daughter in mind who was born with epilepsy. Berlin is also one of my favorite cities and
what a fantastic way to be a tourist! I
think I had a smile on my face the whole time!
What countries have you run races in?
I have run here in the
Netherlands, in Italy, in Portugal and in Germany and even in the US. Next month I will run a race in France and in
October in Belgium.
Your favorite color is pink, do you run/race in pink? What is your favorite pink item?
I normally always wear something pink, from a
headband to my RoadID, to my shoelaces.
My favorite pink item is probably my {heart} Happy Running tank from
“hiphardlopen.nl” (via Runningskirts in California).
Have you ever raced in costume? Would you? I haven’t, but I wouldn’t be
against it as long as it didn’t cover my head.
What goes through your mind as you cross the finish line?
“YES I’M GOING TO MAKE IT!” followed by
“I CAN’T WAIT TO HAVE AN ICE COLD BEER”
If you could run any race in the entire world, which one
would you pick?
The Chicago Marathon
What are some of your running goals or plans?
I would love
to be able to train properly for and run a marathon.
Do you have a funny running story to share?
Not funny, mostly just embarrassing. Like finding out I had my running pants on
inside out and then trying desperately to change, outside, behind a tree, still
with shoes on… yeah that didn’t work out so well.
What is your favorite running gadget, or must have running
item?
I would say my Garmin or at least my phone to record my run on
Nike+. I’m a numbers nerd and love to see
the charts and graphs and totals.
Do you enjoy group or solo running?
I don’t mind running in a group but I’m not
much of a talker when I’m running. So
solo is really the best for me.
Favorite time of year you like to run?
Definitely spring!
Favorite terrains to run; flat, hills, trails?
I prefer flat so I can work on my speed but
do appreciate the hills to tackle as well.
In fact I always think “I’m going to beat you, Hill” when I’m running up
one.
Per your blog you have done a bit of world traveling, do you
take the running shoes when you travel? What have been some of your favorite
spots in the world to head out for a run?
I always bring my kit with me! I
love to run in the mountains and forests, like in Germany, but I also love to
run in New Mexico when I’m home visiting my parents. I just love to soak it all in.
Do you listen to music while you run? If so what are your top two favorites that
help you motivate yourself to push harder?
I used to listen to music all the time, I never thought I could run
without it. Then one day I forgot my
iPod at home for a 15K race and at first I panicked and then I decided to just
embrace the situation. Turns out it was
one of my best, most enjoyable runs ever.
Now I run with or without, it just really depends. If I’m running alone at night, then I
definitely don’t use music so that I can be sure to be super aware of my
surroundings. My music taste is very
broad so I can’t say I have two top favorites but I would say it’s going to be
rock (like Foo Fighters or Queens of the Stone Age) or dance-metal/ EBM (think
Rammstein or KMFDM) that’s going to push me.
What type of hobbies/sports do you enjoy besides running?
I’m not very sporty to be honest, so I have
no other sport hobbies. I would say my
non-sport hobbies are photography, music
and travelling
What are some of your life’s bucket list items?
On the top of my list are extended travel to
Australia and New Zealand and going to Japan to climb Mt. Fuji.
You are also a blogger, what is your favorite thing about
blogging?
I find it therapeutic to
write, even though putting yourself out there can be scary. I love it when I meet new people through my
blog. I also love when someone feels
inspired to do something with his or her emotional or physical fitness.
What types of things motivate you and push you toward
success?
I think anything that can give you a mental or physical boost is worth
going trying for. Sometimes, too, being
afraid to do something can be motivating; to prove to yourself you can do anything
(and even if you can’t, at least you tried) whether in sports, work or just
life in general.
Tell me something unique about you?
I am not sure it’s unique, however, I have
lived 20 years now outside of my birth country and because of language and culture
integration I feel I have a different perspective on many things. Being “in between” your birth culture and
your adopted culture can be difficult but also very rewarding.
Are you involved in any charities, or sponsor/ambassador
programs that you’d like to give a shout-out to?
The only charity I actively support is the
Dutch National Epilepsy Funds, this is directly related to my friends’ daughter
who was born with epilepsy. I am working
on raising EUR 5000 and will be “Running
for Lotte” until I reach that goal (probably even longer).
My page is at: http://detegenaanval.nl/actie/165 and
to donate outside of the Netherlands my charity paypal account is runningforlotte@gmail.com
Renee can be found blogging at:
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